Did you know that parents can have an incredibly beneficial impact on their child’s literacy? Children spend five times as much time outside the classroom as they do in school, and literacy learning at home can happen through play!
This year, the theme for Family Literacy Day is Celebrate your Heritage. Canada is a wonderfully diverse country, and every family has unique traditions and histories. Learn more about your family, as a family, with these 10 activity ideas for building literacy:
– research your family’s place of origin;
– interview a family member;
– learn a few words from a new language;
– listen to traditional music ;
– look at a map;
– make a photo collage;
– make a craft of traditional designs;
– read a story;
– learn about where you live;
– cook a traditional recipe.
Visit www.abclifeliteracy.ca for more stats on children’s literacy and activities to do together as family.
In 2023 Family Literacy Day falls on a PA Day, and all libraries will have PA Day Programs on Friday, Jan. 27.
To register, or see what other programs are being offered, visit us at www.wellington.ca/LibraryCalendar.
ARTHUR BRANCH
519-848-3999
Craft and Create: Affirmation Journals (Adults)
Start the year off right with an affirmation journal. Learn some basic bookbinding techniques to create your personalized affirmation journal.
Thursday, Jan. 19, 5 to 6pm.
Stuffie Sleepover (Kids)
Join us for storytime and a craft for you and your stuffie. Leave your stuffie overnight at the branch for a sleepover, and you’ll receive an account of all the fun they had at the library when you pick them up!
Friday, Jan. 27, 2: to 2:30pm.
CLIFFORD BRANCH
519-327-8328
Let the Games Begin
(All Ages)
From cards to puzzles, checkers to word games, drop by the library for a friendly challenge.
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 6:30 to 7:30pm.
In Stitches (Adults, Teens)
Learn to thread and operate a sewing machine, then create a simple project. Machines are also available for in-branch use. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6:30 to 7:30pm.
DRAYTON BRANCH
519-638-3788
Baby Time
(Ages 0-12 months)
Introduce your baby to the library and a love of books through finger plays, songs, rhymes and stories.
Wednesdays, Jan. 18 to Feb. 22, 11:30am to 12pm.
Toddler Time (
Ages 12-36 months)
Come explore the alphabet with us! Share stories, songs, rhymes and activities aimed at developing your child’s early literacy skills. Please register for one time slot only.
Mondays, Jan. 16 to Feb. 13, 10:30 to 11am
Wednesdays, Jan. 18 – Feb. 22, 10:30 to 11am.
HARRISTON BRANCH
519-338-2396
Carnegie Café:
Spice of Life (Adults)
Need a little spice in your life? Come join us to learn about spices and their interesting history and uses.
Saturday, Jan. 21, 1 to 2pm.
Family Literacy Day: Crafting pictures with clay (Grades1-6)
Children’s picture book illustrator Barbara Reid will be joining us virtually for a demonstration on how to create a picture with clay! All supplies will be provided. Please register.
Thursday, Jan. 26, 4:30 to 5:30pm.
MOUNT FOREST BRANCH
519-323-4541
Teen Café
Come hang out and play some PS4 games with us. Bring your controller (if you have one) and your friends! If you have questions about using the library, bring those too!
Monday, Jan. 9, 3 to 4:30pm.
Family Story Time (Toddlers and Preschoolers)
Our weekly Story Times are designed to help your child get ready for reading. Share stories, songs, rhymes, and activities aimed at developing your child’s early literacy skills. Please register.
Starts Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10:30 to 11:00am.
PALMERSTON BRANCH
519-343-2142
Family Story Time
Our weekly Story Times are designed to help your child get ready for reading. Share stories, songs, rhymes, and activities aimed at developing your child’s early literacy skills. Please register.
Starts Wednesday, Jan. 4, 10:30 to 11:am.
PA Day: Winter’s Here/Family Literacy Day (School Age Kids)
Swing by this PA Day for hot chocolate and winter crafts to embrace the winter season: Jan. 27, 10:30 to 11:30am.
Submitted by Rosie Krul,
Harriston Branch Supervisor